hey guys just joined the boards looking to buy my first jeep, i found one i like and was wondering how much i should pay for it? ive already test drove it and it rides pretty good, what do i need to look for as in problem areas before i buy?

its a 1988 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 with 194k

owner says:
3inch lift and 31x10.50 BFG tires all terrains
new tags, alternator, sway bar bushings, front brakes

he said that the owner before him replaced the engine with another jeeps engine but thats just his word.

anyways what do you guys think? thanks

heres a pic.

 

Make sure there's no rust. I'd say no more then 3000

 

Where are the main areas to look for rust at?

 

'88 or '98?

 

1988

 

how the tires? No more than 3500

 

tires were pretty good, less than a year old.

 

i would say no more than $2000 looks like it has some damage to it.

 

it has 1 or 2 small dents from and a couple of mino scratches from taking it out to the lake/trails.

 

ok guys im looking at some other jeeps and have no idea what to look for, what years should i be looking for? trims, styles ect.????? thanks for any help

 

Years I would say 92 to 1999.

 

Your going to get a lot of opinions on this one. I would say a 96-98, but that's my preference. They should all have the C 8.25 rear and wont have 0331 cylinder head.

As for rust, just get under the jeep and look

 

i would stick with the 96-99 years. (just my opinion)

I would also try to spend $4000 or less and look for one with 150k miles or less with service history. i am skeptical of buying a used car with so many miles without service records...

Good Luck!

 

also check for leaks, i say the 92-95 model years (thats just me) no stupid OBD II on those ones which means more engine mods without throw codes or CELs plus u can always swap a 97up front clip if u like the looks of those better

checks for leaks too, rear main seal is a big one, along with oil pan, pinion seal seem to go too plus what everyone else said "rust", if u dont know what it looks like.... then google it lol

 

The entire bottom of the vehicle.